• The distinctive flowers of the Mexican hat bloom continually throughout the summer months.Medioimages/Photodisc/Valueline/Getty Images
  
  Kansas gardeners often choose native garden plants for their landscapes, since native plants will be more hardy and better able to withstand Kansas growing conditions. The U.S. Department of Agriculture divides the state of Kansas into plant hardiness zone 5 in the southern portion of the state and zone 6 in the northern section. Zone 5 dips to 10 degrees below zero Fahrenheit and zone 6 can reach 5 degrees below zero.
  
  

Blue Phlox

• The Kansas native perennial blue phlox (Phlox divaricata) grows to a height of 8 to 18 inches. From early March to late May, the plant produces an abundance of blue, fragrant flowers. Some varieties sport white and lavender flowers. Each small flower measures 1 inch across. Butterflies adore the flowers of the blue phlox. It grows as an evergreen, even in a harsh winter. The plant spreads rapidly to form colonies by a runner root system. It also self seeds freely. Birds enjoy eating the seeds during the fall and winter months. It grows well in a prairie wildflower garden setting or beneath trees for a woodland garden landscape. Plant in partial shade or full shade. The plant prefers moist, well-draining soil conditions.
  
  

Eastern Wahoo

• The eastern wahoo (Euonymus atropurpureus) grows to a height of 20 to 25 feet as a shrub or a small tree. This Kansas native sports unusual twigs that appear lime green with white scarring lines that stand out in glaring contrast. The leaves of the shrub appear dark green on the upper side and light green on the underside. From April to June the shrub produces dark purple flowers that measure 1/3 inch in diameter. After the flowers fade away seed capsules form that appear a pinkish-red in color. The pods split open in the fall and contain two or three bright red seeds. Plant in full sunlight, partial shade or full shade. It prefers a planting site with well-draining soil and ample compost. It requires moist soil to thrive.
  
  

Mexican Hat

• The Mexican hat (Ratibida columnifera) grows to a height of 1 1/2 to 3 feet. The plant produces yellow, bronze, reddish-yellow and pure red flowers. The distinctive disc in the middle of the flower protrudes up to 2 inches past the flower petals, which gives the blossom the appearance of a Mexican hat. A prolific bloomer, the plant begins to produce flowers in May and will continue blossoming until fall. The native Kansas plant is a perennial and spreads rapidly in the garden. It grows well in a wildflower garden setting. The plant grows best in full sunlight. It tolerates a wide range of soil conditions and can withstand drought well once established.